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[ REPAIR GUIDE ] WI-FI AND INTERNET

Why is my internet so slow?

UPDATED NOVEMBER 20263 MIN READ9 FIXES

QUICK FIX

Restart your modem and router, then run a speed test close to the router. If it is fast there but slow elsewhere, it is a Wi-Fi coverage problem; if it is slow everywhere, even on a cable, contact your internet provider.

What it means

Slow internet can come from your internet plan or provider, your modem or router, weak Wi-Fi where you are sitting, or one device hogging the connection. The trick is working out which one, because a speed test near the router, on a cable and on another device will usually point straight at the cause.

Common causes

  • Weak Wi-Fi because you are far from the router or behind walls
  • Other devices or apps downloading, streaming or backing up at the same time
  • The modem or router needs a restart
  • A provider outage or busy network at peak times
  • Your internet plan is slower than what your household uses
  • A VPN, or out-of-date device or router software
  • One device has a problem (old Wi-Fi adapter, low battery mode, many background apps)

How to fix it

Work down the list. Each fix is safe to try before moving on to the next.

FIX 01Run a speed test and compare with your planEASY

  1. Find your plan's speed on your bill or in your provider's account page.
  2. Stand near the router and run a speed test on a phone or laptop.
  3. Run it two or three times and compare the results with your plan.
  4. Test a second device too. If only one device is slow, the problem is that device.

Why it helps: A speed test tells you whether the connection itself is slow or just one room or device.

FIX 02Restart the modem and routerEASY

  1. Unplug the router, then the modem.
  2. Wait about 30 seconds.
  3. Plug the modem in first and wait for its lights to settle.
  4. Plug the router in, wait a few minutes, then test again.

Why it helps: A restart clears temporary errors that can slow everything down.

FIX 03Check what else is using the internetEASY

  1. Pause large downloads, game updates and cloud backups (such as photo or file syncing) on other devices.
  2. Notice whether others are streaming video or on video calls at the same time.
  3. On Windows 11, open Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and check the Network column on the Processes tab for apps using a lot of data.
  4. Check your router or provider app for a list of connected devices and remove any you don't recognize, then change your Wi-Fi password.

Why it helps: Several high-demand activities at once share your total speed.

FIX 04Move closer to the router or use a cableEASY

  1. Test right next to the router. If it is fast there, the problem is Wi-Fi coverage.
  2. Move the router out of cabinets and closets to a central, raised, open spot.
  3. Plug a computer into the router with an Ethernet cable and test again.
  4. If wired is fast but Wi-Fi is slow, see the weak Wi-Fi signal guide.

Why it helps: Distance and walls are the most common reason Wi-Fi is slow in parts of a home.

FIX 05Turn off VPN and check device settingsEASY

  1. Disconnect any VPN and test again.
  2. On Windows 11, make sure no manual proxy is set in Settings > Network & internet > Proxy.
  3. On a phone, check that Low Data Mode or data saver is not turned on for your Wi-Fi network: on iPhone, Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the info button next to your network and check Low Data Mode.
  4. Restart the slow device.

Why it helps: VPNs and data-saving settings can limit speed on a single device.

FIX 06Update your device and routerMEDIUM

  1. Windows 11: Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
  2. Mac: System Settings > General > Software Update.
  3. iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update.
  4. Android: Settings > System > Software updates, or your phone maker's update menu.
  5. Router: check for a firmware update in its app or admin page.

Why it helps: Updates often fix Wi-Fi bugs and performance problems.

FIX 07Test straight from the modemMEDIUM

  1. If you have a separate modem and router, connect a computer directly to the modem with an Ethernet cable.
  2. Run a speed test.
  3. If it is fast from the modem but slow through the router, the router or its cable is the problem; try another Ethernet cable and restart the router.
  4. If it is slow directly from the modem, the problem is the internet service.

Why it helps: This separates a router problem from a provider problem.

FIX 08Check for an outage and contact your providerEASY

  1. Check your provider's app, website or status page for outages in your area.
  2. If speeds are slow only in the evening, that can be network congestion; tell your provider.
  3. If wired speeds are far below your plan after a restart, call your provider and share your speed test results.

Why it helps: Some slowdowns can only be fixed on the provider's side.

FIX 09Consider a faster plan or newer routerADVANCED

  1. Count how many people and devices use the internet at once and what they do (streaming, gaming, video calls, working from home).
  2. Compare that with your plan; more users and more high-demand activities need more speed.
  3. If your router is very old or no longer gets updates, a newer router or mesh system may help.
  4. Ask your provider whether your modem supports the speed of your plan.

Why it helps: A busy household can simply outgrow an older plan or router.

Check it's fixed

  • Speed tests near the router are close to your plan's speed.
  • Videos play in HD without buffering and video calls stay clear.
  • Web pages load quickly on more than one device.

When to get help

If wired speed tests from the modem are well below your plan after a restart, or the internet slows down at the same time every day, contact your internet provider with your test results. If only one computer is slow, a repair shop can check its Wi-Fi adapter.

Questions

Why is my internet so slow all of a sudden?

Common reasons are a provider outage, a device downloading a large update, or a router that needs a restart. Restart the modem and router and run a speed test near the router to narrow it down.

Why is my internet slow at night?

Evenings are when the most people in your home and neighborhood are online, so your Wi-Fi and the provider's network are busiest. If it is much slower than your plan every night, tell your provider.

Is my Wi-Fi slow or is it my internet?

Test with a cable plugged into the router. If wired is fast and Wi-Fi is slow, it is your Wi-Fi; if both are slow, it is the internet service or the modem.

How much internet speed do I need?

It depends on how many people are online at once and what they do. Streaming HD video, video calls and gaming on several devices at once need much more speed than email and browsing.

Related fixes

How to fix a weak Wi-Fi signalMove the router to a central, open, raised spot away from walls, cabinets and appliances, then restart it. If some rooms are still weak, addWhy is my upload speed so slow?First check your plan's upload speed, since many plans offer far less upload than download. If your speed test is well below that numbeHow to reset your router (restart or factory reset)Unplug the router and the modem from power, wait about 30 seconds, plug the modem back in first and wait for its lights to settle, then plugWhy is my internet not working?Check whether other devices are also offline. If they are, restart your modem and router and check your provider for an outage; if only one Why does my Wi-Fi keep disconnecting?Restart your modem and router and move closer to the router to test. If only one device keeps dropping, forget and rejoin the Wi-Fi network

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